DHAKA: So, it`s finally a lucky thirteen for Rajasthan Royals. Riding on Ajinkya Rahane and Pravin Tambe`s performances, the Rahul Dravid-led side beat a star studded Chennai Super Kings by 14 runs to make it to the final of the Champions League T20.

If it was Rahane`s 70 that took Royals to 159/7, Tambe scalped 3/10 to restrict MS Dhoni`s men for 145/8.

The Royals, who maintained their winning run at home, clinching the 13th game on the trot, however, faced stiff challenges from the R Ashwin-Chris Morris pair, who built a 73-run partnership for the eighth wicket. But with James Faulkner dismissing Ashwin (46), Royals had the last laugh. Morris, on the other hand, was unbeaten on 26.

Royals, will now play the winners of the match between Mumbai Indians and T&T at the Feroze Shah Kotla on Sunday.

After restricting the Royals to 159, all Chennai required was a good start. But with Pravin Tambe and Rahul Shukla delivering the goods once again, the visitors were never in the game. Tambe, who has been a story of success in the CLT20 so far, proved his class just when it mattered the most, with his figures reading 4-0-10-3.

Having lost both openers Michael Hussey (9) and Murali Vijay (14) early in the innings, when CSK were looking to bounce back, it was Tambe, who dismissed S Badrinath for just 8.

Trying to loft him, the Chennai batsman completely misread the delivery only to be stumped by Dishant Yagnik. By then, Chennai had slumped to 51/3 and a lot was expected from skipper Dhoni.

But there are days, when nothing works in your favour and Friday was one such day. Instead of lifting the Super Kings, the captain`s stay at the innings lasted for just seven balls, before being rapped on the pads by Rahul Shukla for only 3.

That, perhaps, was the beginning of the end. After Dhoni`s exit, Dwayne Bravo (3) and Ravindra Jadeja too were big flops. Moments later, Suresh Raina too was sent packing by Tambe for 29.

Earlier, it was Rahane and Shane Watson, who helped the Royals reach 159 for 8.

The opener was in his element, scoring 70 off 56 to help Royals reach a formidable total. Pairing with Watson (32), Rahane built a 59-run partnership in the fourth wicket to ensure that the Royals stay on course.

Reeling at 62/3 at one point of time, it was the India-Australian partnership that delivered the goods. After Watson`s exit, the Royals lost their last four wickets for just 10 runs. Rahane was caught by Mohit Sharma off Dwayne Bravo in the final over.

For Chennai, it was Bravo (4/26), who scalped the crucial wickets, thus restricting Royals to a chaseable total.

After the shock defeat against Trinidad & Tobago, a cautious Dhoni brought in South African pacer Chris Morris into the side and that worked for the Super Kings.

Morris dismissed Rahul Dravid in his first over, for five. Misreading a full and straight delivery, the Royals skipper was cleaned up by the Proteas quick.

On a SMS track that offered bite to the seamers initially, the CSK bowlers reigned supreme at the beginning. After Dravid`s dismissal, the Royals` promoted Kevon Cooper, but he didn`t last long.

The Caribbean all-rounder left after seven balls, scoring 14. After hitting two consecutive boundaries, Cooper was caught by Badrinath off Mohit Sharma.

At 29/2, all Royals needed was a sublime batting effort, but Sanju Samson too fell cheaply. Trying to go for a big one, the young batsman from Kerala was caught by Ashwin at mid-wicket off Jason Holder.

Source: Times of India
BDST 1202 HRS, OCT 05, 2013
MR/BSK